In Fiji the 2000 coup continued to cast a shadow over political life in 2005. The number of people charged with related offenses, including treason, sedition, murder, and unlawful assembly, had reached 566, and most of those charged had been convicted, including 122 serving military personnel. A number of politicians were also implicated, with some returning to high political office after serving a prison sentence.

The government’s reconciliation, tolerance, and unity bill, introduced in May, aroused further controversy. Proposals for a commission that could grant amnesty to perpetrators and approve compensation for victims were seen as an attempt to undermine the judicial process, an attack on human rights, and a device for absolving those still under investigation. The provisions were criticized by opposition parties, the military commander, and the governments of the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand. In September, Prime Minster Laisenia Qarase announced that the amnesty provisions would be revised.

Although the economy achieved 3.8% growth in 2004, largely on the back of strong tourism growth, 2005 was less buoyant. Fiji faced the end of a garment-industry quota for the American market as well as a decline in sugar revenues projected from 2007 with the phasing out of a European Union price-support scheme. As partial compensation, the EU offered to provide development assistance to the industry.

In September heavy rain caused serious flooding in southeastern Viti Levu, which led to one death, serious disruption of services, hospital evacuations, and many residents left homeless.

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